Gambia is now an Islamic republic, declares President Yahya Jammeh

Gambia’s president Yahya Jammeh has declared that the formerly secular country is now an Islamic republic.

In a message on state television, Jammeh said: “In line with the country’s religious identity and values I proclaim Gambia as an Islamic state.” He said being a Muslim-majority nation, it “cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy”.

Gambia has a population of 1.8 million, of which 95% is Muslim. Jammeh, who has been president for 21 years, said nationals belonging to other faiths will still be able to practise.